I agree, gift cards are great but sometimes getting an actual item is great too. I not only put my rescue kids on the tree, but I also am secret santa to many who are on the Giving Tree as well. Shipping can be expensive but keep in mind that "Priority Mail" now has new flat rate mailing boxes in 4 sizes. They were a god send last year when I was unemployed and save me a good amount of money by using them. I picked 6 furkids off the tree and mailed out 4 boxes. I packed the boxes so full that I had to use my foot to keep them closed while I taped them. You pay the same rate no matter how much the box weighs as long as it is not over 70lbs. Just a thought to those who make bedding or like picking out and mailing personal items to the rescues/shelters. Debi and the Fuzzy Loving Ferret Rescue [Posted in FML 6857]